UK Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is permission to stay in the UK permanently and without any restriction to work or study. ILR is the usual route to becoming a naturalised UK citizen and requires the applicant to be settled in the UK.

Migrants in the UK may be able to apply for permission to settle in the UK depending on the current visa they hold and after having lived legally in the UK for a certain period of time.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Requirements

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants must hold a qualifying visa and be currently living in the UK. Some of the current qualifying visas include:

• Ancestry Visa
• Partner Visa
• Tier 1 (General) Visa
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa
• Tier 1 (Investor) Visa
• Tier 2 (General) Visa
• Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa
• Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa

Most Indefinite Leave to Remain applicants are required to have lived in the UK for five (5) years, with the exception of:

• Partner visa holders who may be granted ILR immediately or after having lived in the UK with their partner for two (2) years; and
• Business visa holders who may be eligible for ILR after two (2), three (3) or five (5) years of having lived in the UK depending of their level of assets, investment and business activity in the UK.

Absences from the UK of more than three (3) months or one or more absence from the UK totalling more than six (6) months in total during the qualifying period of residence may affect when an applicant will become eligible to apply.

Indefinite Leave to Remain applicants are required to continue to meet the requirements of their current visa, including health and character requirements, and have a good knowledge of language and life in the UK, which is usually demonstrated by passing a “Life in the UK” test.

Immigration rules for settling in the UK are subject to change and applicants are required to meet the requirements at the time when they make their application.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Entitlements

Indefinite Leave to Remain entitles the holder to remain in the UK indefinitely to live, work or study without restriction. ILR holders have access to public funds, such as job seeker allowances and other benefits usually only afforded to UK citizens.

Spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age may be included on the application remain with their spouse or parent in the UK.

Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if they stay in the UK and meet the residential requirements at the time of application.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Processing Time and Costs

   Advanced Migration Service
   Apply for this visa with help from a registered Migration Consultant. PURCHASE

   Premium Migration Service
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* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.